I Leave in the Dark of Morning

Wives of prisoners are rarely studied, yet incarceration of a loved one has an impact on the everyday experience of the immediate family. Furthermore, studies since the 1960s have consistently shown that prisoners with more family contact have lower recidivism rates than prisoners with less or no contact. This piece explores the thoughts and experiences of a wife of a prisoner, revealing how her life is affected by incarceration of her husband. Relationship impact, stigma, coping, friendships, visiting, and dealing with the prison system are all examined in this stream-of-consciousness piece as she drives one morning to the prison.